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Residence Life Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Residence Life Coordinator

Grand Rapids, MI ยท On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

The Residence Life Coordinator will train and supervise student staff; and complete administrative & programmatic duties for a residential community housing 225-400 residents. As a live-in ...

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Residence Life information

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$25K

$47.1K

$69.5K

How much do residence life jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for residence life in the United States is $47,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Residence Life?

Residence Life refers to the programs, staff, and services provided by colleges and universities to support students living in on-campus housing. The goal of Residence Life is to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Staff members, such as Resident Assistants and Residence Life Coordinators, organize events, provide support, and help enforce community standards within residence halls. Residence Life also plays a key role in helping students adjust to campus life and build community connections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Residence Life, and why are they important?

To thrive in Residence Life, you need a background in student affairs, higher education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with campus housing management systems, crisis response protocols, and conflict resolution tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are crucial for fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe living environment that promotes student development and wellbeing.

What is the difference between Residence Life vs Resident Advisor?

AspectResidence Life
AspectResident Advisor

Residence Life professionals oversee housing programs, manage staff, and develop policies for student housing. Resident Advisors (RAs) are student staff members who provide peer support, enforce rules, and organize activities within residence halls. While Residence Life staff focus on administration and program management, RAs are primarily responsible for peer engagement and community building. Both roles are integral to student housing but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What are the most common challenges faced by Residence Life professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Residence Life professionals often encounter challenges such as managing conflicts between residents, balancing administrative tasks with student engagement, and handling emergency situations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure. Building positive relationships with residents, fostering open communication, and collaborating closely with campus partners like counseling services and security can help address these issues effectively. Ongoing training and peer support are also valuable resources for tackling day-to-day challenges in this dynamic role.
More about Residence Life jobs
What cities are hiring for Residence Life jobs? Cities with the most Residence Life job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Residence Life jobs? The most popular types of Residence Life jobs are:
What states have the most Residence Life jobs? States with the most job openings for Residence Life jobs include:
Infographic showing various Residence Life job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,146 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Director of Residence Life

Lincoln University of PA

Mckeesport, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Director of Residence Life
Position Type: Full-Time
Division: Student Success
Department: Residence Life
Department Overview
The Department of Residence Life at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania fosters a safe, inclusive, and supportive living-learning environment that enhances student success and personal growth. We aim to provide a residential experience that supports academic achievement, builds community, and promotes student engagement.
Position Summary
The Director of Residence Life provides strategic leadership and vision for the university's residential programs. This role is responsible for creating and sustaining inclusive, educational, and vibrant living environments where students thrive academically and socially. The Director oversees residential education, housing operations, facilities coordination, policy development, and staff supervision.
As the leader of the department, the Director manages a team of professional and paraprofessional staff and partners closely with colleagues across campus to ensure a seamless and student-centered housing experience. This position plays a key role in enhancing student retention and satisfaction through intentional residential programming and responsive operations.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
  • Lead the Department of Residence Life in setting goals, assessing outcomes, and enhancing overall program effectiveness.
  • Supervise professional staff, including Area Coordinators and Community Advisors, with responsibility for training, performance evaluation, and professional development.
  • Provide direction and oversight for housing operations including assignments, move-in/move-out processes, damage billing, and key inventory.
  • Serve as the first point of contact for Area Coordinators in crisis situations and on-call protocols.
  • Foster a community of accountability, mutual respect, and responsible citizenship.

Operations & Housing Management
  • Develop and implement housing policies, procedures, and contracts in alignment with institutional goals and legal standards.
  • Manage residential assignments and data systems using The Housing Director (THD) software.
  • Ensure effective communication with students and families regarding housing processes and deadlines.
  • Oversee departmental marketing efforts, including social media and website content.
  • Respond to complex housing inquiries and concerns from students, families, and campus partners.
  • Promote inclusive practices aligned with the ADA, Fair Housing Act, and Title IX.

Campus Partnerships & Compliance
  • Collaborate with the Office of Accessibility Services on housing accommodations.
  • Serve on campus-wide committees, including the CARE Team, and contribute to emergency response and risk management efforts.
  • Partner with Facilities, Public Safety, Financial Aid, Information Technology, and other key offices to deliver coordinated support services.
  • Train Residence Life staff on shared responsibilities with facilities and other campus partners.
  • Designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act; required to report allegations of crime to Campus Safety.
Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in residence life or housing administration.
  • Demonstrated experience supervising professional and paraprofessional staff.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively across departments.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with residential management software (e.g., THD or similar platforms).
  • Previous experience in a liberal arts college or residential HBCU environment.
  • Knowledge of student development theory and its application to residential education.
Professional Attributes
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and maturity.
  • Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.
  • Enthusiasm for engaging with students and supporting their development.